Sahel chameleon
A species of Chameleons, Also known as Basilisk chameleon Scientific name : Chamaeleo africanus Genus : Chameleons
Sahel chameleon, A species of Chameleons
Also known as:
Basilisk chameleon
Scientific name: Chamaeleo africanus
Genus: Chameleons
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Hatem Moushir , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The African chameleon or Sahel chameleon (Chamaeleo africanus) is a species of chameleon native to the Sahel and Nile Valley, although it has been introduced to Greece. An average size may be around 34Â cm (13Â in) long, including its tail.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Sahel chameleon' primarily feeds on invertebrates, with the diet dominated by insects such as beetles, spiders, and butterflies. This species exhibits a preference for live prey, mastering the art of patience to snatch its meal.
Appearance
Sahel chameleon is a medium-sized chameleon primarily of a greenish color, which can change according to mood, temperature, or humidity. It has a dome-shaped, ridged head with an angular body, covered in granular scales. It has long, slender limbs, a prehensile tail, and large, turret-shaped eyes which can move independently. Its most striking feature is a bone protrusion on the back of the male's head. Young ones resemble adults but are much less colorful.
Behavior
Sahel chameleon is typically solitary, known for its remarkable color-changing abilities utilized for camouflage in its natural habitat. Primarily diurnal, it spends most of its day hunting for insects, with a unique slow-motion approach, and basking. Sahel chameleon employs a complex visual communication protocol and shows territorial aggression via color displays and body inflation.
Population
Stable
Photo By Hatem Moushir , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Chameleons Genus
Chameleons Species
Sahel chameleon